Are you planning a tent camping trip to Dale Hollow Lake? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Dale Hollow Lake. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Kentucky camping adventure.
FALL SALE PRICE $15 PER NIGHT
Welcome to the beautiful Tennessee hills right on the edge of Kentucky and enjoy the beauty of nature and camp in our forest by the lake. Primitive camping at its best. Dale Hollow Lake offers some of Tennessee's most beautiful remote areas. The night sky up here is so clear, and the air is crisp and clean. Dale Hollow Lake is one of the cleanest in the country and the views are stunning. Please come and enjoy this wonderful land.
Approximately 4 acres with multiple campsites all to yourself and your group with 15 acres of forest ravine total to hike on.
Welcome to the Tuscarora Glade camping spot, right near Dale Hollow Lake. This is the perfect weekend getaway near tons of unique outdoor activities and we are excited to share it with you! Dale Hollow Lake offers some of Tennessee's most beautiful remote areas. Limited time introductory pricing.
About the Property:
Dale Hollow Lake is right next to the property with natural trails leading right down to the lake. It's only a 1/2 mile hike or short drive to the lovely Star Point Marina and Resort, where you can enjoy kayaking, boating and fishing. Bunkum Cave trail hike and Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park are also within driving distance of our property and make for great day trips! Hiking, swimming, kayaking, and mushroom hunting are just some of the fun outdoor activities you can enjoy during your stay. Secluded camp site in a beautiful forest glade overlooking a deep ravine. Sunsets here are gorgeous.
We enjoy meeting new people and encourage a family-style atmosphere. Please come and enjoy this wonderful land. We hope you love the stunning sunsets, being surrounded by forest, and the ideal lake access as much as we do!
About the Campsite:
Hammock Campers Dream!
The campsite provides various mostly level spots for pitching your tents and setting up camp amidst the beautiful hardwood forest that surrounds you. There are also some ideal hammock camping sites among the trees. Site will accommodate a modest pull behind camper, contact us and we can give you more details. There is a fire ring for you to use, so cozy up by the campfire and toast some marshmallows during your stay! We are a family-friendly campsite, so feel free to bring the kids. There is a garden hose on the property, though we always welcome you to bring your own drinking water as well.
Other Things to Note:
- Check-in is after 2pm and check-out is before 12pm
- You can stay connected if you'd like to, as cell reception is available on our property, yet at times it can be spotty out here in the woods. There is no Wi-Fi. Feel free to unplug during your stay, though!
- Furry friends are welcome, just keep any mess cleaned up!
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and we look forward to your stay!
$15 / night
Reflection Tree Art Farm is a hidden paradise high upon Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. It’s a place where wide-open skies reflect every shade of blue by day and the milky way lights up the night, where rainbows arc to find their golden end, and red-orange sunsets take your breath away. It’s a birder’s dream and a dreamer’s little bit-o-heaven. The dreamers, Eric and Aimee Dixon, had a plan and were just getting started when Aimee was killed in a tragic auto accident. But Aimee’s spirit and their dreams live on and with the help of friends and family, Reflection Tree will continue to grow and bloom. Located northwest of Oak Ridge and Knoxville, we are a short drive north of Crossville, TN.
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Nestled in a lovely 20-acre wood with gentle walking trails and a peaceful forest pond, your fully equipped Tentrr campsite offers everything you will need and we look forward to making your stay as carefree as possible. Your Reflection Tree experience may be a relaxing weekend camping retreat or perhaps a longer stay to enjoy some of the adventures available within easy driving distance.
Right here at Reflection Tree you may wish to participate in one of a variety of planned classes or workshops in the arts and crafts. The big red Art Barn is currently under construction. When complete, the lower floor will be equipped with a potter’s studio, blacksmith forge and woodworking shops with classes for all skill levels. For the more advanced, we will also offer day-use of the equipment.
The upper level of the Art Barn will provide additional accommodations to include 4 bedrooms, a kitchen and a full bathroom as well as indoor and outdoor spaces for large group gatherings, classes, etc. Reflection Tree Art Farm is also a chemical free, regenerative farm and will offer classes for those who wish to learn these techniques. We will have fresh seasonal foods available for the guests as well. Note: To make reservations for the Art Barn, please contact Eric directly at Reflection Tree Art Farm.
For explorers and adventure seekers, Reflection Tree can be an ideal base camp for a host of opportunities within an easy drive: paddlers and climbers, hikers and nature lovers will find your paradise in some of Tennessee’s most beloved State and National Parks, including The Obed Wild and Scenic River System, https://www.nps.gov/obed/index.htm (An international Dark Sky park), Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area https://www.nps.gov/biso/index.htm and Picket State Park https://tnstateparks.com/parks/pickett, as well as a few well-kept-secret places.
History and culture buffs will enjoy the seasonal opportunities for visitors in Muddy Pond and other nearby Mennonite and Amish Communities. https://muddypondofficial.com/ Savor the flavor of “olden times” in the country store just down the road at Clark Range or visit one of our farmer’s markets at Jamestown or Crossville.
Just passing through and looking for a cool place to stay overnight? The I-40 exit at Crossville will get you here in just 30 minutes. Stay one night and you will want to make Reflection Tree Art Farm a destination.
Whatever you choose to do, when the day is done, you may want to enjoy a robust craft brew or a glass of fine wine and some live entertainment at one of our local breweries or wineries.
$25 - $35 / night
Pleasant Grove Recreation Area is a day-use facility, located along the shores of Dale Hollow Lake in the hills of Tennessee.
Dale Hollow is renowned for its fishing opportunities. In addition to yielding the world record smallmouth bass and being known as a trophy smallmouth lake, the Obey River below Dale Hollow Dam is also known for excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing. Boating and water skiing are also popular activities, and with 27,700 surface acres of water and 620 miles of shoreline, there is plenty of space for visitors to explore the lake. A boat launch is provided. Pleasant Grover also offers a picnic area with a reservable shelter, located on a beautiful peninsula with exceptional views of Dale Hollow Dam.
Pleasant Grove Recreation Area offers a large group picnic shelter with five picnic tables and grills. Flush toilets and drinking water are also provided. A boat ramp provides convenient lake access.
Dale Hollow Dam and Lake was completed in 1943. Although the dam was built for flood control and power generation, it has now become a recreational oasis for more than 3 million visitors each year. The dam is located on the Obey River, about 3 miles east of Celina, Tennessee. Surrounded by a thick expanse of forest, the clear blue lake creates a stunning scenic backdrop for a variety of water and land recreational activities. In the late fall through early spring, the American Bald Eagle can be spotted flying overhead or perched on low-lying limbs. Dale Hollow hosts the second largest wintering eagle population in the states of Tennessee and Kentucky.
The Dale Hollow National Fish Hatchery is adjacent to the dam. Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hatchery is the largest federal trout hatchery east of the Mississippi, producing 1.5 million trout annually. The hatchery is open to visitors daily.
Full rules and reservation policies for fees associated with changes and cancellations can be found at https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies__ There is no fee to make a reservation. Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation (picnic shelter) less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee. No-shows forfeit the entire day-use fee for a day-use facility. Applicable fees, including service/cancellation fees and change fees, are non-refundable and subject to change. No refunds for recreation use fees may be made at the campground.
$30 / night
This is a Boat-In Site. Tent Camping ONLY. Please bring garbage bags. This site is Pack It In-pack it Out. Bring your own drinking water.
Donaldson Park is located within the city limits of Celina, Tennessee, next to the Obey River Tailwater. A variety of recreational activities abound, including boating, fishing and picnicking.
The park is made up of broad, grassy areas surrounded by large shade trees. An abundance of wildlife can be seen in the area, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles and the occasional beaver.
Fishing is a very popular activity on the Obey River, which is stocked with nearly 60,000 rainbow trout annually. Brown and brook trout are stocked as well.
The park offers many amenities for visitors. A boat ramp, playground, fitness trail, marble yard and volleyball, basketball and tennis courts are all found on-site.
Two accessible picnic shelters with electric hookups are available for reservation at Donaldson Park. Flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
The National Rolley Hole Marble Championship and Festival is held in nearby Standing Stone State Park. This traditional marbles contest draws some of the countrys best to a tournament where players match wit and skills with special flint spheres on a smooth dirt surface. The festival includes games for kids, marble making, tournament play, demonstrations, music and food.
This hidden paradise has a waterfall that used to have a mill on it in the early 1900's. There are cliffs on each side of the creek making it the perfect spot for serene relaxation. Following upstream is an assortment of spots to pitch a tent. The most notable sites are surrounded by hemlock tree's and is peaceful when birds chirp over the small rapids echoing from the large overhang
*I am in the process of making multiple sites but until I do so it is first come first serve. There are multiple sites at main campsite and along creek, I've had a private event of thirty people staying at once. There are also smaller spots next to waterfall, uphill near cliff and I've had people go below falls for some complete wilderness (blocked by gorge and waterfall). With this being said, I do offer private bookings and accommodate special events!
*I travel for work, so I won't always be here, but I will send directions and details after confirmation and make sure all is savvy during. Please be respectful to one and another and let me know asap if any issues arise but truthfully everyone has been amazing and I thoroughly enjoy meeting and getting to know everyone!
$35 - $45 / night
Scout
Spent the last 2 weeks of the season here and enjoyed our stay. We had daily deer visitors at our site and went trout fishing too. The walking trails around the brooke and campground were easy enough even for someone with limited mobility. I would ask COE to correct the women's handicap shower. The hand held shower head is missing even though there is a connection port for it. Shower house is not heated and it is extremely uncomfortable....Be prepared to keep pressing a button every 55 seconds to get water. In addition, there is no way to control water temperature for your shower. In my opinion, this is something that needs to be addressed. The washing machine was out of order.... And the ole sayin"treat things as you would your own" comes to mind and it would be our hope that people would see the benefit in keeping things nice for all to use. The camp host made rounds on the golf cart every few hrs....which is appreciated:) UPDATE: Now both washers have been removed from the annex campground....and we have a week left. Kinda of a crappy thing to do to people....with no warning.
Traveler
We loved Bandycreek campground for it{s scenic beauty….we were there in late October. They leaves were brilliant! The campground was pristine as well as the shower house and bathrooms. So many trails to walk…just make sure you know how long they really are and if they truly are a loop before you head out and take water! The campground was quiet, there was a bustle of activity every morning of park staff cleaning the shower house, emptying the bear boxes and doing general maintenance cleaning up downed branches etc. All staff were met were very friendly. The visitors center was close with staff who were very helpful in answering questions about the area. Our only concern about the place was that it is difficult to navigate if you have a large rv. Ours is a 43 foot fifth wheel. We had a lot of difficulty backing into our site with all the little obstacles but with the assistance of a fellow camper we finally got in. Also the drive into the campsite is treacherous if you are coming from Oneida. It is harrowing to say the least and I would not recommend it if you have a large rv. Hairpin turns and switchbacks, low hanging rocks, and narrow road. We came in the back way which consisted of driving on a well maintained gravel road with barely enough room for two vehicles to pass. So be warned and do your research before you drive in…plan your route! I feel like we barely survived! Ha. But it was worth it and we did survive!
Traveler
This was my first experience with free camping and it will be tough to beat! There was another camper in the small area I found off the gravel road, but it was quiet and peaceful. I woke up early enough to see the sunrise and the fog coming off the river. Simply magical.
Be sure to stop by the little town of Gainesboro (I think that’s the name) for a cup of coffee at Nostalgic Coffee Cafe. They mixed together one of their favorite concoctions that wasn’t on the menu and it was PERFECTION!
Guide
One picnic table and fire pit. Dispersed camping. We took our portable firepit and sat by the creek for a beautiful evening.
Ranger
Did a drive around of the campground. Spacing looks great between sites. Sites look clean and level. Some sites are next to the Obey River. Will be camping here in the near future.
Ranger
Wasn’t many people when we went there. It’s close to Dale Hallow Lake which is an awesome area in TN. The RV sites all have slope and not great if you have a large RV it could be tricky get into and leveling. Camp grounds could use some updating for sure. It was very nice only having a few others in the campground. Standingstone lake and Mill Creek is located in the park with hiking trails. We did go on a hike around Pleasant Grove Recreation Area which was very nice plus exploring many Marinas around. Ate at The Quarry Restaurant off of the 53, it sits on top of an old rock quarry with spectacular views of the area.
GuideQuiet campground for smaller campers and vans. Dog friendly. It is on the top of the hill, so prepare to hike to the lake. There are trails along the lake, and shortcut trails through the woods, mostly narrow and washed out. The pool is very busy in the summer. The campground is clean and sites are spacious and shady, most sites require leveling. Beautiful lake and dam, definitely worth the visit!
Scout
This is a beautiful campground! Very Family oriented. The park attendants are so nice and welcome families and will help you in any way! We love going here and feel so safe because the sheriff department along with the attendants are always coming through. Some of the nicest attendants, always has a smile and willing to help in any way!
Scout
It's so funny to see other people seem to have had issues with the staff here. We went one day to scout out campsites around Center Hill Lake. We had already been to one of the other parks around it and checked out the campsites; we'd just driven in and around and noted which spots didn't have enough shade, etc. then left. When we got to the attendant booth, there was a stop sign at the speed bump. I stopped in front of the stop sign and when I started driving again, an older man opened the window at the booth and yelled at us. I slammed on my breaks and backed up to talk to him. He was an absolute aubergine to us for not talking to him. I told him I was sorry but I didn't know I needed to as I've never had to at any other area parks. He copped an attitude and said "There's a sign!" So, I guessed I just missed it. However, when we were leaving, I turned around and checked and the only sign was the stop sign..... He was sarcastic and rude to us as I explained what we were there to do and insinuated that we were trying to kidnap children...
Beyond the Belligerent Balding Boomer, the roads in the campground and even just on the way to it from the main road are VERY narrow, crumbling, in BAD need of repaving/repainting arrows, and have lots of tight turns. We went into one area and a car had pulled over to the side of the road but was on the asphalt still which made getting around them not even close to possible. You might have been able to get around a motorcycle. Maybe. We ended up having to back up all the way back out of there with a rock wall on one side of the asphalt and dropoff on the other.
Scout
The"Old Mill Camp and General Store" is a charming destination where rustic ambiance meets modern convenience. Nestled amidst picturesque scenery, it caters to both campers seeking a tranquil retreat and travelers looking for local products and essentials. The store offers a delightful array of goods, including handmade crafts, local produce, and freshly baked treats, ensuring there's something for everyone. Visitors can easily plan their visit with the prominently displayed Store hours today ensuring they can stop by for a leisurely browse or a quick restock of camping supplies. Whether you're exploring the nearby trails or simply passing through, the Old Mill Camp and General Store welcomes you with its warm hospitality and diverse offerings.
Scout
The people that run this campground are rude and considerate jerks and talk to my kids and I like we where not worth there time.
Traveler
We stayed on the island (walk in spot) and it was quiet and had beautiful views right on the water. There are also toilets and water available on the island if needed.
Traveler
This is one of my favorite spots to camp. The host is amazing, provides great amenities, and takes care of his campground very well. If you are looking for a great view with plenty of space for tents and hammocks, look no further. You will not go wrong with booking with this host.
TravelerThis is one of the best campgrounds ive ever visited, especially with children. Lots of shade except the couple spots toward the front of the bathrooms, we had booked spot 30 but they kindly let us move to 16 when we realized we needed more trees lol. The bathrooms were immaculate, the little playground was a blast for the kids, the little general store was very cute and well stocked. Cummins State Park right across the road had a nice short, easy half mile hike to the waterfall overlook, my 2 year old walked most of it. Our one-night stay was lovely. Only drawback was lack of laundry facility.
Scout
We've been traveling full time for the past year and Bean Pot campground is by far the best. Beautiful sites, great owners and staff and alot of amenities. They also have fun activities. Definitely will be back!
ScoutNo Service (showed me how addicted i am). Other than that as described.
Scout
Stayed in cabin 88 - bedbugs. Do not stay here.
TravelerVery nice campground. Met the owners and they are a really nice couple. I was pleasantly surprised by the live music. I would stay away from the pull through sites by the bathroom if You prefer privacy.
GuideOverall, great. Easy to find, download a map on the way as you loose service 20 minutes out. Garbage cans at each site. Someone came and got my name and plate to make sure I followed the 14 day rule but was super nice. Great experience, and free.
Scout
Great spot. Full hook ups at many spots. Sites are in cul de sacs. Lake is beautiful and really close. Staff is super nice and helpful. Nice playgrounds and pools. WiFi is not currently working. AT&T and Verizon service is good. Lots of wildlife around. Nice hiking trails.
Scout
Ww made a reservation for April 19th and 20th but we had an emergency and had to cancel on April 16th and the lady said it was ok we couldn't make it but she said we couldn't get a refund but could come another time so we called yesterday to schedule the weekend of memorial day but they said we don't have a credit and we're just out of the money they just made it like it's OK I guess then once it got past the time we was supposed to come the lied
Guide
I seek off the beaten path places, and this campground is a gem. Located in a quiet forest near the small mountain town of Monterey, Belle Ridge is a wonderful destination stop when touring the Upper Cumberland regions of Tennessee. Within ten minutes of Monterey, this mountain town has two wonderful coffee places, an amazing Amish bakery, nice specialty stores in the historic downtown, good restaurants and a wonderful museum. There was a lot to do at the campground, but also many interesting sights within a 30-minute drive.
RangerThis campground has some exceptional features, but it also has some kinks to work out.
First, one advantage/disadvantage is it is located right off 40. If you are placed in one of the sites in the front it’s going to be very noisy. We were in the middle of the campground and it was occasionally loud, but not terrible. Being able to pop off 40 to sleep for the night and get right back on the next morning with gas two minutes away was great for us.
I wasn’t pleased with my check-in because I waited nearly 20 minutes to be helped as a group in front of me arrived with 1,000 questions and booked their campground in person. When it was my turn, I was given four seconds of attention. When my friend checked in there was three people at the desk and she had a good experience. Online registration was easy and we just had to drop off keys in a drop-box before leaving.
Then, the next morning we wanted to buy the bag of gems for the mining and the office wasn’t even open (12PM) before check-out (11AM). My husband felt it was the best camp store we had encountered on this trip, but how does that even help if it’s not open in the morning? My kids were so disappointed.
We were all disappointed because we had looked forward to the themed activity (tie-dye), but it was cancelled with no explanation given and there weren’t any other activities/programs even though it is presented like they have theme weekends.
I thought the layout of the campground and sites was kind of haphazard looking. The sites were gravel and there was plenty of grass and trees. The tables and fire pits all looked oldish. Hook-ups and WIFI were good.
The cabins were spaced really nicely. There was only one bathhouse, which looked absolutely great and was super clean. If you were camped at the front it would be a long walk. My friend stayed in the “primitive” cabin and she said the mattress was fantastic and she appreciated the Keurig. It was close to the bathroom and the loft space would easily accommodate a couple of kids.
What really shined about this campground was the woodsy landscape - the sandy playground (though it was older and the volleyball net was down), the fishing lake, and the really cool swimming lake, which was surrounded by rock, were all appreciated by our group and my friend said she was definitely coming back in the summer so her kids could swim. The hike to the waterfall was really lovely. We were hoping to see the cave, but the office was closed so we couldn’t inquire about its location (it wasn’t on the map).
All in all, we had a nice time and it was definitely more of a camping experience than many of the parking lot like camps we’ve stayed at. It seemed like a lot of guests were there specifically to dirt bike or off-road. I think it would be a nice campground to enjoy in the summer, but do wonder how much of an expansion is coming (their map indicates one is happening soon) and how that would impact the amenities.
Two other things worth noting - I appreciate that the campground prices don’t seem like they skyrocket in the summer. We looked at some summer dates and the prices were pretty similar to the price we paid for April. I also was impressed with the two people who were working - they seemed like they were all over cleaning and fixing things.
Ranger
We rented a cabin during the off-season and our cabin was cute - very old fashioned. What we found out quickly that was everything was pretty much closed, including the main lodge restaurant that we had hoped to eat at.
The indoor pool WAS open and a pretty decent size. Our kids had a blast romping around in it and the next day we hiked one of the Park trails and were able to do some geocaching, which they loved.
It would be a longish walk to the Lodge pool from the cabins. I don’t know if everyone has a golf cart in the summer, but I imagine it gets packed. There was some really cool larger cabins and at least the section we were in, you had a nice view of the marina.
We found the view of the lakes beautiful and would absolutely go back a bit more during the season to take advantage of the lake activities. I say that even though we found mice droppings in our kitchen - the staff took care of it right away and gave us a partial refund.
Guide
We enjoyed our stay. The bathrooms were clean, bring your own hand soap. Our site had a great view of the water and was HUGE. No phone service for AT&T or Verizon. We enjoyed our stay.
ScoutWe camp almost exclusively in state parks. We really like this one. Restrooms could use an update but they're clean and well maintained. Laundry room is a great bonus. Sites can be tricky to back into. Ours was tough because of the angle, a drop off beside the road, and they have a very narrow entrance to the site. Proud of hubby for getting our 21 foot camper in . Verizon coverage isn't bad in the campground. The WiFi was very hit or miss for us with basically no one here...only 5 sites occupied. We would definitely come again
TravelerWe did a brief overnight stay when passing through the area but will absolutely make a return visit to explore this gem! Our site (D36) was at the end of a loop and was nearly level despite being on the edge of the hilltop. The site was huge, honestly - ample space for our 21’ campervan with an even larger gravel pad adjacent. Clean bathrooms were a short walk away and had ample hot water for showers. We didn’t have time to explore the trails, enjoy the facilities, or take in the sights but will definitely return!
Dale Hollow Lake in Kentucky offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dale Hollow Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dale Hollow Lake is Tuscarora Glade with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dale Hollow Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Dale Hollow Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
